Spline joint



Feb. l1, 1941. A. F. GREINER 2,231,117

\ SPLINE JOINT Original Filed Dec. 15, 1938 3s y A 40 INVENTOR.

Patented Feb. 11, 1941 UITE STATES Tg' FFME Divided and this applicationDecember 26, 1939, Serial No. 310,999

8 Claims.

This invention relates generally to improvements in torque transmittingjoints and is a division of my copending application Serial No. 245,961,led Dec. 15, 1938. l

It is one of the principal objects of this invention to provide a torquetransmitting joint having provision for transmitting motion from onemember to another member with the minimum power loss and, in addition,having means permitting limited relative axial movement f the memberswithout aiecting the efliciency of the torque transmittingcharacteristics of the joint.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of atorque transmitting joint of the type set forth having means forresisting relative axial movement of the members in either direction ina manner to eifectively dampen any shock reactions occasioned by suddenor abrupt relative axial displacement of the members. This shockabsorbing characteristic is particularly ad.. vantageous in cases wherethe joint is used in combination with a torque transmitting universaljoint to connect the power plant of a road vehicle to the road engagingdriving wheels, since it provides for substantially dissipating theshock resulting from abrupt displacement of the Wheels relative to thepower plant before the shock reactions reach the latter. As a result,the power 'plant is not only relieved of undue strains, but the ridingqualities of the vehicle are improved.

A further advantageous feature of this invention resides in theprovision of a joint of the4 type set forth above having relativelyshort bending moment arms and having comparatively long torquetransmitting leverage arms. Accordingly, the joint is capable oftransmitting high torques with the minimum stress on the parts.

In addition to the foregoing, this invention cony templates a torquetransmitting spline joint composed of a relatively few simple partscapable of being inexpensively manufactured, assembled and installed.

The foregoing, as well as other objects, will be made more apparent asthis description proceeds, especially when considered in connection withthe accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a spline joint constructedin accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional View taken substantially on the line 2--2 ofFigure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken on the plane indicated by theline 3--3 of Figure 1.

For the purpose of illustration, I have shown my. improved spline jointI0 in conjunction with a particular torque transmitting universal jointIii, although it will be apparent as this description proceeds that thespline joint may be used to advantage in any combination where it isdesired to transmit motion through a slip joint, 5 regardless of whetherthe combination embodies a universal joint and notwithstanding theconstruction of the universal joint.

The spline joint is shown in the several figures of the drawing ascomprising a motion or torque 10 transmitting member I2 and a tubulardriven member i3 telescopically receiving the member ill. Motion istransmitted between the two members by means of a pin I4 extendingtransversely of the axes of the members through a slot I5 in the memberi2 and having the free end portions anchored in suitable openings i6formed in opposite sides. of the tubular driven member I3. The axis ofthe pin Ifi is perpendicular to the axes of the members and is disposedin a common plane with the latter axes. The slot I5 is elongated in thedirection of the axes of the members with the opposite sides thereofforming at surfaces Il extending substantially parallel to each otherand to the common plane aforesaid. v

The opposed surfaces Il of the slot are engaged by a pair oi rollers I8rotatably mounted on the pin I4 with the adjacent ends in contact Witheach other and with the opposite ends engageable with the adjacentsurfaces of the driven member I3. Inasmuch as the free ends of the -pinI4 are anchored in the openings I6 in opposite sides of the tubulardriven member I3 and in view of the fact that the peripheral surfaces ofthe rollers I8 have a bearing engagement with the opposed surfaces il ofthe slot in the member I2, it follows that the bending moment arms arerelatively short while the torque transmitting leverage arms arecomparatively long. This condition is, of course, desirable in that itpermits transmitting high torques with the minimum stress on the parts.

The rollers i8 have a rolling engagement with the opposed flat sides ofthe slot I5 and, Vsince the latter is elongated in the direction oflength of the axes of the members, it follows that the members are freeto move relative to each other in the direction of their axes withoutinterfering with the torque transmitting characteristics of the pin I4and associated rollers I8. This arrangement is particularly advantageousin cases where the joint is employed to connect a driving elementforming a part of the sprung assembly of a motor vehicle with a drivenelement associated with the unsprung assembly of the vehicle joint in acombination embodying a torque transin that it permits the desiredadjustment of the driving connection to compensate for relativedeflection of the assemblies.

In installations of the type briefly set forth above, there is apossibility of the two members I2 and I3 moving so abruptly relative toeach other in either direction that a severe shock is imparted to thesprung assembly. In order to overcome any tendency for severe shockreactions to develop, I provide means for cushioning relative movementof the members in a manner to insure both quiet and smoother operationof the joint. Upon reference to Figures l and 2, it will be noted thatthe opposed open sides of theslo-t II are closed by the adjacentportions of the tubular driven member I3 in a manner to form a chamber2|! and the rear .end of the tubular driven member I3 is closed b-y .awall 2| cooperating with the adjacent end wall 22 of the torquetransmitting member I2 toform a second chamber 23. The two chamberscommunicate with one another through the medium of a restricted port 24formed in the .end wall 22 and both chambers are packed with a hydraulicfluid medium, such as a suitable lubricant.

The above construction is such that when the members I2 and I3v arerelatively shifted in directions toward each other, iiuid is transferredfrom the chamber 23 through the restricted port 24 to the chamber 2B. Onthe other hand, when the members are relatively. moved in the oppositedirection, fluid passes from the chamber 20 through the port 24 to thechamber 23. Inasmuch as the port 24 is` restricted, it follows that adamping action results and, of course, this action may b-e controlled byaltering the size of the port 24.

The spline joint, previously described, is especially advantageous whenused in connection f with a torque transmitting universal joint in thatit loffers the possibility of relieving the universal joint from undueshocks. One Way in which the spline joint may be compactly andinexpensively combined with a universal joint is shown in Figures 1 and.2 of the drawing, al-

though, it will, of course,- be understood that the particularconstruction of the universal joint may vary substantially from the oneillustrated without detracting from the operation of the spline jointpreviously described.

With the above in mind, reference will be made to the universal jointII, shown in the several fguresof the drawing for the purpose ofillustrating the adaptability of my improved spline mitting universaljoint. In detail, the universal joint II is provided with a flangedmember 25 having an enlarged cylindrical portion 26 connected at itsforward end to the rear end of a reduced cylindrical portion 2'I bymeans of a condriving element or a driven element.

` member of the joint.

ical section 28. The forward end of the cylindrical portion 2'Iterminates in a radially outwardly extending attaching flange 29 havingprovision for securing the universal joint to either a In the presentinstance, the attaching flange 29 is adapted to be secured to a suitabledriving element (not shown) an-d, accordingly, the member 25 will behereinafter referred to as the driving It will also be observed fromFigures 1 and 2 of the drawing that the forward end of the cylindricalportion 2'I is closed by means of a disc 3|) approximating the internaldiameter of the cylindrical portion 21 and welded, or otherwise suitablysecured to the driving member I2. In actual practice, the universaljoint II is charged with a suitable lubricant through the openingprovided by the cylindrical portion 2'I prior to securing the closure ordisc 3G in place.

Upon reference to Figure 2 of the drawing, i-t will be noted that thecylindrical portion 26 of the driving member is formed with alignedopenings 3| in diametrically opposite sides thereof for receiving theopposite extremities of a torque transmitting pin 32. The pin 32 isretained against axial displacement by means of a ring 33 having aninternal cylindrical surface 34 engaging the external surface of thecylindrical portion 26 on the driving member 25 in overlapping relationto the apertures 3| and having an outer spherical surface 35 slidablyengaging a correspondingly spherical surface formed on a shell 36. Theshell 36 is provided with a tubular rearwardly extending portion 3'Itelescopically receiving the tubular driven member I3 in a manner toprovide for relative sliding movement between the shell and tubulardriven member I3.

The forward end of the torque transmitting member I2 of my improvedspline joint is fashioned to form laterally spaced arms 38 extendinginto the cylindrical portion 26 of the driving member 25 on oppositesides of the torque transmitting pin 32 and having the free endsintegrally connected by means of a rib 39. The arms 33 are pivotallyconnected to the torque transmitting pin 32 by means of a kingpin 40having an opening therethrough intermediate the ends thereof forreceiving the pin 32 and having the opposite ends extending intoapertures 25 formed inthe arms 38. The opposite sides of the kingpin 40are shown in Figure 2 as flat .and the adjacent sides are formedconcentric with the axis of the kingpin to provide the necessary pivotalmovement of the torque transmitting member I2.

The torque is transmitted from the pin 32 to the member -I2 through themedium of a pair of anti-friction rollers 42 journalled on the pin 32 atopposite `sides of the kingpin 40 by means of suitable needle bearings43. The diameter of the rollers 42 and the lateral spacing between thearms 38 are such that the periphery of the rollers engages the adjacentflat surfaces 44 of the arms. The above arnangement is such that duringtransmission of torque from the driving -member 25 to the member I2through the pin 32,

the rollers freely roll in contact with the respective surfaces 44 ofthe arms 38 and, accordingly, frictional losses are reduced to theminimum. It is also important to note that the torque is transmittedfrom the driving member to the member I2 at points spaced a substantialdistance outwardly from the center of rotation C of the universal jointso as to provide relatively long leverage arms and, due to thedisposition of the rollers, the bending moment arms are relativelyshort. As a result, relatively large torques may be transmitted Withoutunduly straining the elements of the joint.

Reference has been made above to the fact that the universal joint ispacked with lubricant prior to permanently sealing t-he joint. In thisconnection, it will be noted that the lubricant is conned in the jointbymeans of a skirt 45 secured to the shell 36 in rear of the cylindricalportion 26 on the driving mem-ber 25 and terminating in close pr-oximityto the torque transmitting member I2. As a result, .the skirt functionsto retain lthe. lubricant in the joint, regardless of the centrifugalaction of the lubricant during rotation of the joint.

It will be observed from the foregoing th-at my improved spline joint I0and a torque transmitting universal joint may be combined to form acompact, unitary assembly.v `It will also be understood from the abovethat the shock absorbing characteristics of .the spline joint I0 `serveto enhance the efiiciency of operation of the universal joint in that itinsures cushioning shocks which would otherwise be imparted directly .tothe elements of the universal joint. It will, of course, be understood4that my improved spline joint is not limited to use in combination withthe particular universal joint previously described since it may beadvantageously employed in any organization where it is desired .totransmit motion and also cushion shock reactions. i

Wha-t I claim 4as my invention is:

1. In a torque transmitting joint, a pair of telescopica-ily eng-agingmembers slidable relative to each other in opposite directions, theinner member having a slot therethrough elongated in the direction of.the axesof the members and forming with .the outer member a chambercontaining -a uid medium, said `outer member having an end wallcooperating with the adjacent end Wall of ythe inner member to form asecond chamber also containing a fluid medium and communicating with thefirst chamber through a restricted port whereby relative movement of themembers in opposite directions axially of .t-he members is damped, andfa pin extending transversely through said slot in .the inner member andhaving the opposite ends connected to the outer .member for transferringtorque from one member to the other.

2. In a torque transmitting joint, a pair of telescopically engagingmembers slidable relative to each other in opposite direct-ions, theinner member having a slot therethrough elongated in the direction ofthe axes of the members and forming with the outer member a chambercontaining a fluid medium, said outer member having an end Wallcooperating with the adjacent end Wall of .the inner member to form asecond chamber .also :con-taining a fluid medium and cornmunioating withthe nrs-t chamber through a restricted port whereby relative movement ofthe members in opposite directions axially of the members is damped, apin extending transversely through said slot in the inner member andhaving the opposite ends connected to the outer member, and a rollerrotatably mounted on said pin and having the peripheral surface .thereofengaging the opposite longitudinally extending Walls of the slot .totransfer a rotative force from one member to the other.

3. In a torque transmitting joint, a pair of telescopically engagingmembers slidable relative to each other in opposite directions, .theinner' member having a slot therethrough elongated in the direction ofthe axes of the members and forming with the outer member a chambercontaining a uid medium, said outer member having an end Wallcooperating with .the adjacent end wall of the inner member toform asecond chamber also containing a fluid medium and communicating with thefirst lchamber through a restricted port whereby relative movement ofthe members in opposite directions axially of the members is damped, apin extending ltransversely through said slot in the inner member andhaving .the opposite ends exten-ding into openings formed inl .the outermember, a pair of rollers rotatably mounted on the pi-n in juxtapositionto each other and having the peripheral surfaces thereof engaging .theopposite longitudinally extending surfaces of the slot, and a casingslidably engaging the outer member and closing said openings.

4. In a torque transmitting join-t, a member having a bore, a secondmember extending intosaid bore and having a sliding t with the innersurface of said bore, said second member having a slot therethroughintermediate the ends thereof, the slot being elongated in the directionof relative sliding movement of said members and the openings atopposite sides of the slot being closed by the adjacent surfaces of thefirst member, a torque transmitting pin extending transversely of .themembers .through said slot 4and having the opposite ends anchored in.the rst member, and anti-friction means on said pin having a rollingeng-agement with the pposite longitudinally extending side Walls of saidslot.

5. In a .torque transmitting joint, a member having a bore, a second`member extending into said bore and having a sliding t with the innersurface of the bore, said second member having a slot therethroughintermediate the ends thereof and elongated in the direction of relativesliding movement of said members, the openings at opposite sides of saidslot-being closed by the adjacent surfaces of 4the first member and theopposite longitudinally extending side Walls of .the slot being flat, apin extending transversely of the members through said slot and havingthe opposite -ends respectively anchored in opposite sides of the rstmember, and anti-friction means on said .pin extending for substantiallythe full width of the slot and having a rolling engagement with the flatsides of said slot.

6. In a torque transmitting joint, a member having a bore therein closedat .one end, a second member extending into said bore and slidablyengaging the inner surface of the bore, said second member having a slottherethrough intermediate the ends thereof, the slot being elongated inthe direction of relative sliding movement of said members and theopenings .at `opposite sides of the slot being closed by the adjacentsurfaces of the first member to form a .chamber containing fluid, theend of the second member adjacent the closed end of the bore cooperatingwith the closed kend of the bore to form a second chamber containingfluid medium and having a restricted communication with ythe rst chamberthrough the end aforesaid of the second member whereby relative axialmovement of Ithe member in directions to diminish the volume of thesecon-d chamber is damped by the fluid in .the latter chamber to a.degree depending on .the restrictie-n of said communication, and adriving connection between said members including means extendingtransversely ythrough said slot in engagement with the oppositelongitudinal side Walls of the slot and having the ends respectively.anchored in the opposite sides of said first member.

'7. In a torque transmitting joint, a member having a bore thereinclosed at one end, a second member extending into said bore and slidablyengaging the inner surface of the bore, said second member having .aslot therethrough intermediate the ends thereof, the slot beingelongated in the direction of relative sliding movement .of saidmem-bers and the openings at opposite sides of the slot being closed bythe adjacent surfaces of the rst member to form a chamber con-tainingfluid, .the end of the second member adjacent the closed end of the borecooperating With the latter end to form a second chamber containing auid medium and having a restricted communication with the first chamberthrough the end aforesaid of the second member whereby relative axialmovement of the member in directions to diminish the volume of thesecond chamber is damped by the fluid in the latter chamber to a degreedepending on the restriction of said communication, and a drivingconnection between said members including ,means extending transverselythrough said sl-ot in engagement With the opposite longitudinal sidewalls of the slot and having the ends respectively anchored in theoppostte sides of said iirst member, said torque transmitting meansextending for substantially the full width of the slot Abetween oppositeside Walls of the rst member and acting as a pis-ton to displace fluidfrom the second chamber into the iirst chamber upon relative movement ofthe members in a direction opposite the direction aforesaid.

8. In a torque transmitting joint, a member having a smooth bore.therein closed at one end, a second mem-ber extending into said boreand having a cylindrical sur-face slidably engaging the inner surface ofthe bore, said second member having a slot therethrough intermediate theends thereof, the slot being elongated in the direction of relativesliding movement of said members and the openings at opposite sides ofthe slot being `closed by the adjacent surfaces of the first member toform a chamber 'containing fluid, the end of the second member adjacentthe closed end of .the bore cooperating With the latter end to formasecond cham-ber containing fluid medium and having a restrictedcommunication with the iirst chamber through the end aforesaid of thesecond member whereby relative axial movement of the members indirections to diminish the volume `of Ithe second chamber is damped bythe fluid in the latter chamber to a degree depending on the restrictionof said communication, a torque transmitting pin extending transverselythrough said slot and having the opposite ends anchored in lthe adjacentside walls of the rst member, and anti-friction means mounted on lthepin and having a rolling engagement With the opposite longitudinallyextending side Walls of the slot, said anti-friction means extending forsubstantially the `full Width of the slot between the opposite sidewalls of the first member and acting as a piston to displace uid fromthe first chamber through the restricted communication to the secondchamber upon relative axial movement of the members in la directionopposite .the direc-tion aforesaid.

ANTON F. GREINER.

